Here’s Who To Call If Your Power Goes Out
Hurricane Ian is bearing down on Tampa Bay. With powerful storms, there’s bound to be power outages. If you’re power goes out, here are some resources that can help you.
Power Company Phone Numbers:
- Duke Energy: Automated outage reporting system: 1-800-228-8485 or text OUT to 57801
- TECO: (813) 223-0800 or report online here
- Florida Power & Light: 1-800-468-8243 or report online here
- Lakeland Electric: 863-834-4248 or text OUT to 21592
- WREC: Report online here and find your area’s WREC phone number
Now if you want to see what area’s are dealing with power outages, here are links to outage maps:
Along with power outages, comes downed power lines. So, what do you do if you see a downed line? Here are some guidelines:
- NEVER touch a downed line.
- Operate under the assumption that all wires are power lines and that they are energized.
- Assume assume that a downed power line is energized, and move away from it to safety.
- NEVER try to touch a downed line with your hand or any objects such as a stick or pole.
- Do not touch anything or anyone who is in contact with a fallen power line.
- Do not drive over a downed power line.
- Keep children and pets away from downed electric lines.
- Just because a downed wire isn’t sparking, snapping or buzzing, doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Standing water can hide energized power lines or other hazards, or even put you at risk of drowning.
- Call 911 immediately to report a fallen power line. Let the professionals take care of the situation.
The bottom line is be safe. Hurricane Ian is going to do what it does. If a power outage happens, now you know what to do. [SOURCE ABC Action News]